Frank Gore wasn’t sure new offense was “real football”

The results are good, but 49ers running back Frank Gore was slow to warm to his team’s pistol formation and reliance on read-option runs with Colin Kaepernick at quarterback.

He said the first time he saw the offense was on television “probably Oregon” and that he “didn’t like it at first.”

“I just felt like that’s not real football,” Gore said, via Lindsay Jones of USA Today. “But if it helps us get to where we want to go, I’m good.”

Gore’s actually getting more rush attempts per game with Kaepernick under center (or not under center, as the case may be), but he’s having to get used to not being the focal point of the run game, even as he piled up 1,214 yards in the regular season, the second-most of his career.

But last week, his 119 yards were overshadowed by his quarterback’s 181.

“Hopefully they keep looking out for [Kaepernick], and 21 keeps getting the ball,” Gore said.

Having a back the caliber of Gore is part of the reason Kaepernick is so effective, as it makes opponents honor those run fakes, and play honest in-the-box defense, which creates opportunities outside.

Players of today seem more egocentric than in years past. Many would rather be the star player for a losing team than a role player on a winner. Self confidence is one thing but these guys take it to the delusional extreme. Just be happy that you are contributing and the team is winning.

I personally would take less money and play for a losing team if I get more playing time. Being a backup on a Superbowl team is nothing to brag about.
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FinFan68 says: Jan 18, 2013 10:31 AM

Players of today seem more egocentric than in years past. Many would rather be the star player for a losing team than a role player on a winner. Self confidence is one thing but these guys take it to the delusional extreme. Just be happy that you are contributing and the team is winning.

I didn’t think very much of these gimmick offenses either, but they keep winning in college. It’s about time the NFL started opening up their playbooks to more spread offenses rather than ye olde pro set.

With all this talk about Kaep and the 49ers rushing attack I think ATL’s secondary is going to be exposed. They gave up 386 passing yards to Seattle last week, and the 49ers’ have a much more dominant/talented group than Pete Carrol could dream. Colin Kaepernick isn’t one dimensional. Yes he had 186 yards rushing, but that was because GB refused to adjust and kept blowing huge holes in the pocket by trying to set the single game sack record or something.

Kaep and James add an outside running threat to an offense that already has deep threat receivers. And Kaep can throw the deep ball better than A Smith. This will open the run game up between the tackles for Frank. Atlanta will have to choose what to take away. If they stop Frank, look for Davis and Crabtree to have big days. If they stop the deep ball look for Frank and Kaep to run big. Whatever Atlanta decides to do, SF can adjust to take advantage. My only concern is crowd noise and changing plays at the line. SF has had to call timeouts more than a few times to prevent delay of game. But if its not close timeouts wont matter. Too bad Abraham is hobbled. Would like to see both teams at their best.

Gore has a point in a few things. Running backs dont like playing in the read option. It limits their carries, and ultimately, their income level.

Gore knows that this is a fad. He has played long enough to know what works, and he is in this offense and knows that it will eventually be held in check and fail.

Gore also knows how he feels after a bunch of carries in a game and he doesnt even have to keep his throwing shoulder healthy.

Bottom line is, Gore is smart. Gore is pretending to like the scheme, but knows it wont last and that he is running out of career and possible paychecks. He wants to keep getting paid, not getting a pay cut and having that pay cut be a pay increase for another ball carrier (the QB).